Mascara is a very serious part of the beauty routine—one wrong move and you have a wand in your eye or black smudges in places they should never be. And, since applying it is typically the final step, you run the risk of ruining your whole face of makeup. See? It can be a total train wreck. That’s why we’ve rounded up five mascaras to make these difficult times just a little bit easier. Trust us, every good day starts with great lashes.

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YSL the Shock Volumizing Mascara: Going for shock value? Then you’ve come to the right place. It is difficult for me to get maximum volume without the added baggage of clumping lashes and unwelcome (as well as unintentional) eyeliner, but with this mascara I was able to box up those concerns and trade them in for flawless lashes all night long. ($29)

Givenchy Noir Couture Volume Mascara: The fuller the better, with this all-new formula from Givenchy. It gave my lashes the fringe effect without any leftover residue under my eyes. Also, while the black-and-white bristles volumize and lengthen, there’s the added plus of keratin and rice peptides that work to protect and strengthen. Think of it as the perfect smokey eye in a tube—without all of those extra steps! ($33)

Shiseido Full Lash Multi-Dimension Mascara: As an avid Harry Potter fan, it’s time to accept that this mascara might be the closest I’ll get to a magic wand. The hourglass brush bends 30 degrees and rotates 360 to dramatically coat every last lash. It gave me enviable curl, length, and volume that resisted the fighting forces of nature, despite its best efforts to ruin my day. And in New York, that’s just the kind of pick-me-up you need. ($27)

Benefit They’re Real! Lengthening Mascara: There’s a reason this mascara has won so many awards, and it’s because it is seriously amazing. The brush and formula took my uncoated, au naturel lashes and turned them into flawless, feathery, false-in-appearance-but-oh-so-real ones. ($24)

Elizabeth Arden Lasting Impression Mascara: This-dual sided brush does it all. One side volumizes, while the other lengthens and separates to give dramatic, 60s-style lashes. Plus, the formula is infused with vitamin C, avocado, and olive oils, to help restore and nourish the lashes while allowing for silky-smooth application. This mascara is perfect for daily wear—subtle enough for work and, with an extra swipe or two, fun for a night out! ($24)